The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Project

Have you ever wanted a color coordinated wardrobe?  I have, and so the vintage wardrobe sewing project begins.  In this post I will share:

• how it started
• basic materials
• color scheme
• wardrobe planning
• key pieces (with links to pictures)
• outfit combinations ​(with links to pictures)

It is my hope that The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Project will give you inspiration for your own color coordinated wardrobe.  Come back weekly to see updates on this project and let me know how your wardrobe is coming together!

How It Started

How The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Project got started is all because Daphne, my daughter, taught herself to sew.  For her first project, she chose to make me a vintage-inspired apron!  How sweet. When our family booked a Disney Cruise (something I've always wanted to do for my daughters), we started saying, "We should make our own vintage wardrobe."  Plus, I knew I had my husband's support, when, after complaining about current fashion trends, he said, "Then, do something about it!"  And that's just what I did ...

Basic Materials

The basic materials I bought for The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Project includes:

• Singer Simple Sewing Machine ($100 @ Walmart)
• Simplicity Sewing Pattern - 1950's Vintage with Separate Pieces in my size ($10 @ Etsy)
• Measuring Tape (on hand)
  
• Fabric Scissors (@ Walmart)
  
• Fabric Chalk (@ Walmart)
  
• Needles (@ Walmart)
  
• Pins (@ Walmart)
• Material - See pattern for suggestions ($4 - $13/yard @ Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics)
• Sewing Notions - See pattern

Color Scheme

The color scheme may very well be the most important detail of planning a color coordinated wardrobe.  I wanted a wardrobe that incorporated classic navy blue.  I planned for a tertiary (triangular on the color wheel) color scheme and added a white linen as my neutral.

1. Navy Blue (in a linen fabric)
2. Gold (in a shiny rose pattern fabric)
3. Watermelon Red or Pink (still deciding - in pattern or print of some kind)

Fabric shopping during this decision process is key.  Tips!  Mix colors opposite on color wheel or tertiary (as I did).  Mix colors with the same undertone (blue or pink undertones).  Mix solid with prints for interest.  Keep prints small and gentle if you are under 5'6".  To appear thinner, keep stripes vertical or none at all. Choose fabrics, that when you scrunch them, don't wrinkle easily.

Wardrobe Planning

I started wardrobe planning with tracing paper, colored pencils, and my pattern.  I laid tracing paper on top of the small pattern drawings (on back side of pattern) and traced each item I wanted in my wardrobe.  Then, with color pencils, I filled in the colors I had planned.  Finally, I numbered each piece.  

​I drew sketches (see picture above) to visualize each piece and how they will be worn on our upcoming family vacation and thereafter.  As you can see there are 16 key pieces.  I made sure all colors would match my shoes and purse.  My rule for this wardrobe is that everything should mix-and-match to create a maximum number of outfits.  

Key Pieces

In all, I have 12 key pieces to sew, and I'll be sure to share as I accomplish each one.  When an piece is completed, scroll down to see it or click on the link to get details.  ​
*Starred items will be bought.

1. The Basic Jacket - white with gold lining (interchangeable)
2. Blouse 1 - gold rose pattern for evening use
3. The Full Skirt - gold rose pattern for evening use
4. Rosette Fabric Pin - gold rose pattern for day or evening use
5. Blouse 2 - navy blue for day and evening use
6. The Slim Skirt - navy blue for day & evening use
7. Accessory Set in white linen - Purse,  Pearls* and Heels*
8. Basic Shorts - white linen
9. Cummerbund - gold rose fabric
10. The Basic Sweater - soft pink knit fabric
11. Scarf - white
12. Sun Shoes, and Sun Glasses -  gold*
13. Dress gloves - white
14. Over Skirt - sheer navy blue
15. Blouse 3 - pink watercolor pattern

#1 The Basic Jacket

#3 Full Skirt

#5 Blouse 2

#7 Accessory Set

#9 Cummerbund

#2 Blouse 1

#4 Rosette Fabric Pin

#6 The Slim Skirt

#8 Basic Shorts

#10 The Basic Sweater

Outfit Combinations

When all the key pieces are complete, I will show you the many outfit combinations!